Massillon-born rapper Stalley still plans video shoot here

Washington High School alumnus Kyle Myricks, better known to many as the rapper Stalley, says he will return to his hometown this week to shoot a music video for his single, “Swangin” despite the decision by city school district officials not to permit him to utilize school facilities for the production

By Heather Beyer

The Repository

By Heather Beyer

Posted May. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 23, 2013 at 11:02 PM

By Heather Beyer

Posted May. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 23, 2013 at 11:02 PM

MASSILLON

Washington High School alumnus Kyle Myricks, better known to many as the rapper Stalley, says he will return to his hometown this week to shoot a music video for his single, “Swangin” despite the decision by city school district officials not to permit him to utilize school facilities for the production.

On Monday, Superintendent Rik Goodright declared that Stalley would not be given clearance to use the high school gym at the end of the school day on Friday or Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday to film his video with WHS students as Stalley's representatives had requested. In a prepared statement, Goodright cited Stalley's lyrics as sending the wrong message and said the school district could not be associated with that message.

Goodright said he plans to stand by his decision in the event that Stalley or his representatives attempt make any additional requests to use the school facilities.

“I wish they would have done a little more research and gave me the opportunity to speak to them before they just judged the music,” Stalley said. “I think that they are wrong about the violence in the music. Everybody who listens to my music knows that I don’t curse or use violence and profanity. I make it a point not to. You will never hear me putting down women or endorsing any type of drug or alcohol.”

“I just want to give out positive energy through the music and have it be thought provoking and have it change someone’s life.”

Facebook and Twitter were rife with reaction from the Massillon community about the decision by Goodright, most of it in opposition to the superintendent's edict.

“It was disheartening,” Stalley said. “I know a lot of people are excited about this and they really want it to happen ... and knowing that I was able to come back to the school and speak at the school and walk the halls, take pictures and sign autographs and for them to turn their back on me ... it was out of nowhere.”

In a phone interview on Wednesday evening Good-right said that he will no longer comment on the issue.

When Stalley performed in Massillon last April he said he received a warm reception from the community.

“I did a show, it was sold out, it was peaceful, there wasn’t any type of violence and everyone had a great time,” Stalley said.

Stalley said that he understands the superintendent's concerns.

“I understand that his job is to make sure that the kids are protected ... and that nothing is poisoning their brains,” Stalley said. “Kids at a young age are very gullible and they follow trends and follow the lead of certain people. I may be a role model to some and I may not be a role model to others, but everything I am doing is out of my heart, and it’s positive and brings a good light to Massillon.”

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“You can’t put limitations on love. You can’t tell me that I can love the whole city but the school is off limits. I graduated from there. Why is the school off limits? My music isn’t meant to be offensive to anybody or to put down anyone or the community. It’s only to uplift it.”

Stalley and his production team plan to come to the city today and begin shooting his debut music video Friday and Saturday around the areas of the city where he grew up.

City officials said Wednesday they have not been contacted about Stalley's plans.